India is a paradise for wildlife lovers, home to diverse ecosystems from Himalayan foothills to desert and coastal mangroves. These protected areas offer thrilling jungle safaris where you can see tigers, elephants, rhinos, leopards and countless bird species.
Whether you're a photographer, birdwatcher, or adventure seeker, these sanctuaries promise unforgettable encounters with the wild. Below are some of the top destinations to experience nature up close.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Location: Nainital District, Uttarakhand | Best time: November to June | Famous for: Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephants, Crocodiles, Birds
India’s oldest national park, located in the Himalayan foothills with sal forests, grasslands and riverine belts. Famous zones include Dhikala and Bijrani.
Activities: Jeep and canter safaris, birdwatching, elephant rides, nature walks.
Highlight: Sunrise tiger sightings with mist over the grasslands.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Location: Golaghat & Nagaon, Assam | Best time: November to April | Famous for: One-horned Rhino, Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Birds
A UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhino population across floodplain grasslands of the Brahmaputra.
Activities: Jeep and elephant safaris, river cruises, birdwatching.
Highlight: Watching rhinos grazing in tall elephant grass.
3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Location: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan | Best time: October to June | Famous for: Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles, Ancient Ruins
Iconic tiger reserve near Ranthambore Fort. Open terrain makes sightings easier and gives photogenic moments of wildlife with ruins in the background.
Activities: Jeep & canter safaris, fort exploration, birdwatching, village tours.
Highlight: A tiger strolling past ancient fort ruins — a photographer’s dream.
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Mandla & Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh | Best time: October to June | Famous for: Tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Leopards
Inspiration for The Jungle Book — known for meadows, bamboo forests and the rare hard-ground Barasingha. Well-maintained with good safari systems.
Activities: Morning & evening jeep safaris, birdwatching, village visits.
Highlight: Seeing Barasingha grazing in open meadows.
5. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Umaria, Madhya Pradesh | Best time: October to June | Famous for: High tiger density, Leopards, Deer
Known for one of the highest tiger densities in India and the historic Bandhavgarh Fort within the park.
Activities: Jeep & elephant safaris, fort treks, birdwatching.
Highlight: Close tiger encounters in the popular Tala Zone.
6. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Location: Chandrapur, Maharashtra | Best time: February to May | Famous for: Tigers, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs
“Jewel of Vidarbha” with dry deciduous forests, lakes and rivers attracting wildlife and offering strong tiger sighting chances.
Activities: Jeep safaris, nature photography, birdwatching.
Highlight: Tiger families drinking at Tadoba Lake during summer.
7. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala | Best time: October to April | Famous for: Elephants, Boat Safaris, Birds
Scenic sanctuary in the Western Ghats surrounding Periyar Lake. Boat safaris offer a rare water-based wildlife experience.
Activities: Boat safaris, bamboo rafting, trekking, nature walks.
Highlight: Peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake amid misty hills.
8. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Location: Border of Seoni (MP) & Nagpur (MH) | Best time: November to May | Famous for: Tigers, Wild Dogs, Leopards
Pench inspired The Jungle Book and offers classic Indian tiger country with teak forests, rivers and rolling terrain.
Activities: Jeep safaris, night safaris (Maharashtra zone), village tours.
Highlight: Experiencing jungle scenes reminiscent of The Jungle Book.
9. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Location: Junagadh, Gujarat | Best time: December to April | Famous for: Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Deer
The only place to see the Asiatic lion in the wild. Successful conservation has restored lion numbers here.
Activities: Jeep safaris, Devalia interpretation park, birdwatching.
Highlight: Spotting the regal Asiatic lion on an early morning safari.
10. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh | Best time: October to April | Famous for: Leopards, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Gaur
A quieter, less-crowded park offering walking safaris, boat safaris and canoe rides for a deeper wilderness experience.
Activities: Jeep safaris, walking safaris, boat safaris, camping.
Highlight: Walking safaris through core forest areas — an intimate wilderness experience.
11. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Location: Sundarbans delta, West Bengal | Best time: November to February | Famous for: Tigers, Saltwater Crocodiles, Mangroves
The world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and a UNESCO site, famous for tigers that swim between islands. Safaris are conducted by boat.
Activities: Boat safaris, village tours, birdwatching.
Highlight: Discovering tiger pugmarks and wildlife along muddy riverbanks.
12. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Location: Kodagu & Mysore, Karnataka | Best time: October to May | Famous for: Elephants, Tigers, Leopards
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Lush forests and the Kabini River attract large herds of elephants and diverse birdlife.
Activities: Jeep & boat safaris, birdwatching, photography.
Highlight: Elephants crossing the Kabini backwaters at sunset.
13. Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Location: Alwar, Rajasthan | Best time: October to June | Famous for: Tigers, Leopards, Historical Sites
A convenient wildlife getaway from Jaipur with rocky landscapes and historic sites like Kankwari Fort inside the reserve.
Activities: Jeep safaris, temple & fort visits, photography.
Highlight: Combining tiger sightings with a visit to hidden forts and temples.
14. Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Panna District, Madhya Pradesh | Best time: November to May | Famous for: Tigers, Leopards, Waterfalls
Located near Khajuraho, successfully revived its tiger population through reintroduction programs. The Ken River flows through the reserve creating scenic gorges and waterfalls.
Activities: Jeep safaris, boat safaris, photography.
Highlight: Boating on the Ken River with forested cliffs as a backdrop.
15. Desert National Park, Rajasthan
Location: Near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan | Best time: November to February | Famous for: Great Indian Bustard, Desert Fox, Reptiles
Explore unique Thar Desert wildlife adapted to harsh conditions. Sparse vegetation but specialized species and dramatic dune landscapes.
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, stargazing and camping.
Highlight: Seeing the Great Indian Bustard across golden dunes.
Prepared for wildlife lovers and photographers — use this as a simple guide to plan safaris and visits across India’s top sanctuaries.
